SKANSKA USA AND HOK SIGN OFF TAMPA EXPANSION PROJECT

Skanska USA and global design firm HOK have announced the completion of the USD 154 million expansion and renovation of the main terminal at Tampa International Airport.

The upgrade is designed to enhance the passenger experience, improve wayfinding and expand concession options for travellers at one of the nation’s best airports.

The design-build team of Skanska and HOK led the redevelopment of the Main Terminal and concessions programme – one of the largest elements of the first phase of the Airport’s Master plan expansion. Construction commenced in 2014.

The work is part of a three-phase expansion and modernisation that will allow Tampa International Airport to accommodate up to 34 million annual passengers.

The airport served a record 21 million passengers in 2018 and is projected to continue to grow in 2019.

As part of the Main Terminal renovation, the creation of additional areas for passengers to rest, conduct business or enjoy family time was a top priority.

In its role as builder, Skanska led the Main Terminal Transfer Level expansion and redevelopment of the Airport’s Main Terminal and functional improvements to airsides A, C, E and F.

The Transfer Level expansion included raising the former east and west outdoor decks, creating four transfer-level terraces, relocating all four shuttle car lobbies to the airsides, and the removal of the former airside D shuttle lobby to create space for a food court.

Another key improvement made was to the ticket and baggage claim wayfinding signage.

The redeveloped Main Terminal improves sight lines across the entire floor, creates additional seating areas, intermixes airside concessions, and makes four outdoor terraces accessible to meters-greeters, passengers and employees with two terrace spaces dedicated to restaurants.

The airside functional improvements for all gate lounges included power poles, seating options, recycle units plus the interwoven concessions.

Overall, the project added 98,000 square feet of new enclosed and useable space and 69 concessions spaces in five facilities. The work also included the installation of 32 new escalators and renovation of all 24 public elevators in the Main Terminal.

“Our team at Skanska worked in close collaboration with our design partner on this project, HOK, to deliver a Main Terminal that is more efficient and will better serve the evolving needs of today’s airport passengers,” notes Skanska’s executive vice president and general manager for Florida, Michael Brown.

“With the delivery of this renovation and expansion, passengers at Tampa International Airport will benefit from more ample seating areas, selection of dining and shopping options and a look and feel that reflects Tampa’s best attributes.”

With its completion, the project added 55,000 square feet to the terminal’s third-floor transfer level. By pushing back shuttle enclosures and moving restaurants to the perimeter, it opened a central area for shops and comfortable lounge seating.

Additionally, privacy glass was installed in restaurant and event spaces to allow for more natural light.

“When guests visit the renovated terminal, they will experience design details reflecting the beautiful Tampa Bay region,” says Leesa Coller, AIA, HOK’s design principal for the project. “The comprehensive design integrates the soft colours of the beaches and bay as well as the lush greens and brightly coloured local flora.”

Sustainable design and building methods used in the passenger terminal project will make it 30% more energy efficient than current energy required standards, with the lighting systems using LED lamps and an aluminum ceiling painted in matte white to provide better light reflection.

As part of this historic expansion, the airport also launched a new public arts programme that is enhancing its spaces with innovative works of art.